When it comes to aerial photography, DJI has consistently set the benchmark. With the release of the DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo, the company continues its tradition of merging cutting-edge technology, portability, and superior image performance. This comprehensive review explores everything you need to know about the Air 3S—from its design and flight capabilities to its camera system, intelligent features, and why the Fly More Combo offers unmatched value for drone enthusiasts.
A New Era Of Smart Drone Performance
The DJI Air 3S stands as a bridge between the compact Air series and the professional Mavic lineup. It packs the power of a dual-camera system, extended flight time, and advanced obstacle sensing, all within a lightweight, foldable frame. DJI designed the Air 3S to deliver professional-level performance in a travel-friendly package, ideal for both seasoned pilots and content creators on the move.
Design And Build Quality – Compact Yet Professional
The first impression of the DJI Air 3S is its sleek and aerodynamic design. It features a matte gray finish, giving it a modern and professional look. The build quality is exceptionally robust, with reinforced propeller arms and a streamlined body that enhances aerodynamics and reduces drag during flight.
Weighing just around 720 grams, the drone strikes the perfect balance between portability and performance. Its foldable design makes it easy to pack into a small bag, perfect for travel photographers and videographers who value mobility.
Camera System – Dual-Lens Brilliance
The standout feature of the DJI Air 3S is its dual-camera setup. It includes a wide-angle lens and a 3x medium telephoto lens, both built with 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors that capture 48MP stills and 4K/60fps video.
Wide-Angle Lens
The wide camera captures crisp, detailed landscapes with a 24mm equivalent focal length, ideal for nature, cityscapes, and cinematic aerial views. Its large aperture (f/1.7) ensures superb low-light performance, maintaining detail even during dusk or dawn flights.
Medium Telephoto Lens
The telephoto camera, with an equivalent focal length of 70mm, allows creators to zoom in on distant subjects while preserving stunning image quality. It’s perfect for wildlife, architectural shots, and dynamic video transitions.
Both lenses support HDR video recording, 10-bit D-Log M color mode, and Hyperlapse functionality, giving professionals immense flexibility during post-production.
Image And Video Quality – Precision In Every Frame
The image output from the Air 3S is nothing short of breathtaking. Each photo is vibrant and natural, with true-to-life color reproduction and excellent dynamic range. DJI’s advanced image processing engine ensures that highlights and shadows are balanced perfectly.
When it comes to video, the 4K resolution at up to 100fps enables smooth slow-motion capture, while the D-Log M color profile provides up to 10 stops of dynamic range, ideal for cinematic color grading.
In HDR mode, both cameras deliver impeccable clarity and depth, ensuring professional-grade footage without additional editing. For creators seeking a compact yet powerful tool, the Air 3S is a true workhorse.
Flight Performance – Power, Stability, And Precision
The DJI Air 3S takes flight performance to a new level. Equipped with O4 HD video transmission, it provides a range of up to 20 km with ultra-low latency. The flight remains stable even in moderate wind conditions, thanks to DJI’s advanced flight algorithms and GPS-assisted positioning.
Flight Time
With a 46-minute maximum flight time, the Air 3S outperforms many competitors in its class. The Fly More Combo extends your total flying time significantly, offering three intelligent batteries—each providing extended air time for long shoots.
Speed and Agility
The drone achieves a top speed of 21 m/s in Sport Mode, making it highly responsive for tracking fast-moving subjects or performing complex maneuvers. Whether capturing cars in motion or breathtaking mountain landscapes, it maintains control with ease.
Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing – Intelligent Safety At Its Best
The DJI Air 3S features omnidirectional obstacle sensing, which means it can detect obstacles in all directions using multiple fisheye sensors. This provides 360-degree protection, allowing pilots to fly confidently even in tight environments.
When combined with APAS 5.0 (Advanced Pilot Assistance System), the drone automatically reroutes its flight path to avoid obstacles smoothly, ensuring both safety and shot continuity.
Smart Features – Creativity Meets Automation
DJI has packed the Air 3S with intelligent flight modes that make aerial photography easier and more creative than ever.
FocusTrack
This includes ActiveTrack 5.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, allowing the drone to follow or orbit subjects automatically while keeping them perfectly framed.
MasterShots and QuickShots
Perfect for beginners or those short on time, these modes automatically capture and edit cinematic sequences with just one tap.
Waypoints
A new addition to the Air series, Waypoints allows users to pre-plan flight routes for precise, repeatable shots—a favorite among professionals creating timelapse or mapping projects.
Night Mode
Optimized for low-light scenes, Night Mode reduces noise and enhances detail, ensuring clean, vivid footage even after sunset.
Controller And Connectivity
The DJI RC 2 controller, included in the Fly More Combo, offers an integrated 5.5-inch FHD display with up to 700 nits of brightness, ensuring clear visibility even under direct sunlight. The O4 transmission system guarantees ultra-smooth live feeds, maintaining a reliable connection between drone and controller.
Fly More Combo – The Complete Package
Choosing the Fly More Combo unlocks incredible value. It includes:
- DJI Air 3S Drone
- 3 Intelligent Flight Batteries
- Charging Hub
- DJI RC 2 Controller
- Spare Propellers
- Carrying Case
The charging hub can sequentially charge multiple batteries and even act as a power bank for your devices, a useful feature for outdoor adventures.
This package offers the best cost-to-performance ratio, ensuring you’re ready for long flights and multiple takes without interruptions.
Battery Performance – Efficiency Meets Endurance
The new DJI Intelligent Flight Batteries feature improved energy efficiency and heat management. Each cell supports up to 46 minutes of flight time, depending on wind and altitude. With the Fly More Combo, users enjoy nearly 2.5 hours of total flight time, perfect for extended shooting sessions.
DJI Air 3S vs. DJI Air 3 – What’s New?
While the DJI Air 3 already impressed with its dual-camera system, the Air 3S refines the experience with:
- Enhanced telephoto clarity
- Longer flight range
- Upgraded O4 transmission system
- Improved APAS algorithms
- Extended battery performance
These enhancements make the Air 3S a truly professional-grade compact drone.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Dual 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors for superior image quality
- Extended 46-minute flight time
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
- 20 km video transmission range
- 4K 100fps recording capability
- Compact, foldable, and travel-ready
- Excellent value with Fly More Combo
Cons
- Slightly heavier than entry-level drones
- Higher price point than basic consumer models
- Requires DJI Fly app for full functionality
Final Verdict – The Ultimate All-Round Drone
The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo is more than just an upgrade — it’s a leap forward in drone innovation. Its dual-camera system, extended flight time, and intelligent safety features make it an unbeatable choice for creators seeking professional-grade results in a compact form.
For photographers, filmmakers, and aerial adventurers, the Air 3S is a tool that balances power, performance, and portability seamlessly. With the Fly More Combo, you get everything you need to explore the skies longer, safer, and more creatively.
FAQs
Q: Is the DJI Air 3S good for beginners?
Yes. Despite its professional-grade capabilities, intuitive controls make it suitable for beginners.
Q: How long can the DJI Air 3S fly on one battery?
Up to 46 minutes per battery under ideal conditions.
Q: Does the Air 3S have obstacle avoidance?
Absolutely. It features omnidirectional obstacle sensing for maximum safety.
Q: Can I shoot in RAW format?
Yes, the Air 3S supports RAW photography, giving you full editing control.
Q: What’s the difference between the Air 3S and Air 3?
The Air 3S offers better camera sensors, enhanced AI features, and extended battery life.